Sarah Fong '28 - DukeEngage internship at Americans for Immigrant Justice

Through DukeEngage, I had the opportunity to intern at Americans for Immigrant Justice, which is non-profit law firm based in Miami, FL.

At AIJ, I worked on the front lines of the ongoing U.S. immigration and asylum crisis, providing critical support to individuals navigating the system. I staffed the detention hotline, connecting detainees with legal representation/services and helping them understand their rights. I prepared and submitted key legal documents, conducted in-depth country conditions research to support asylum claims, and developed trainings and presentations for pro bono attorneys. I also attended immigration hearings and contributed to public-facing efforts such as town halls and community legal education. This summer strengthened my dedication to immigrant rights and deepened my belief in the importance of due process and accessible legal representation.

As hard as my cohort and I worked, we also had a lot of fun! Miami is such a vibrant city, with rich communities and cultures. We got to go to Little Haiti, try delicious food and dance all night. In Little Havana, we walked down Calle Ocho and listened to live music. My cohort traveled to the Everglades, where we rode an airboat and saw alligators up close. Many of our weekends were spent playing pickleball and relaxing at South Beach. 

I am so grateful for these 2 months of immersing myself into a cause that is so important to me, with a cohort of amazing students, and all while having the best time.